WATCH: Firebomber catches fire during brothel blaze
Dramatic CCTV footage appears to show a man set himself on fire during the alleged firebombing of a Gold Coast brothel, with cops not ruling out that it could have been carried out on behalf of a competing business.
Police & Courts
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Police have released dramatic video footage of two men allegedly firebombing a Gold Coast brothel.
The CCTV footage was released on Wednesday as police ramp up their investigation into the blaze at the Silks on Upton bordello at Bundall on November 10, and they’re not ruling out that it could have been carried out on behalf of a competing business
Police and emergency services were called around 4.30am following reports of smoke coming from the building.
The building was engulfed in flames upon police arrival and a crime scene was later established.
CCTV footage shows two unknown offenders arrive at the Upton Street address in a silver Honda sedan. Moments later a flammable substance was set alight at the entrance to the building.
The footage also appears to show one of the men’s foot catch fire after an accelerant was ignited.
The car is yet to be located.
Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn, of Gold Coast CIB, said police were investigating ‘a wide range of possibilities’ for the arson, including that the perpetrators might acting on behalf of a ‘competing business’.
“We haven’t ruled it out at all - our minds are open to all possibilities,” he said.
Det Insp Ahearn said police had unsuccessfully checked with medical facilities for anyone who may have been treated for burns after the incident.
He said the man seen catching fire in the CCTV footage may not have been injured.
Investigators are appealing for anyone who may have information about offence or dashcam vision and was driving along Upton Street, Racecourse Drive or Crombie Avenue between 4am and 4:45am on November 10, to please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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